Reflection

Reflection

I feel so invested in everything below, I'd just like to tie it all together a little bit and give it some finality. First, there is a TON of other things I'd like to include that I just didn't have the time for. The more I read and watched, the more I discovered I should be reading and watching. Especially towards the end of the semester in watching everyone's digital advertisements, I'd really like to add a ton more books. Unfortunately, time is of the essence. So, for this assignment, I just couldn't fit it all in. However, I most definitely plan to continue, especially since now I'm so interested in tween literature.

Next, I tried to really plug in to the tween age group for this project. I didn't just want to read and watch things I think tweens would or should like; I wanted to actually experience materials that tweens ARE liking right now. I substitute teach in all of my local districts, and mostly focus on grades 4-10 anyways. So for my criteria for my blog I wanted to read, watch, listen to, surf, etc. the things that tweens are. This included me often times borrowing their books, interviewing them, grabbing their ear buds, etc. This created sort of a pattern in my blog, where you can see a cycle of younger material lumped together from when I was working with my 5th and 6th graders, and then all of the older tween materials lumped together when I was working with my 7,th, 8th, and 9th graders. It was very cyclical, but it worked for me. Also, the tweens? LOVED IT. They loved talking to me about their books, recommending more to me, asking me about what I've read, etc. Having someone take an interest in the stuff they like really excited them. They all ask about my project, and they are all sad that it is ending. I've promised them I'll keep reading their stuff, though. They're really excited for me to read the Eragon books and the new Rick Riordan series next. I think I have my work cut out for me.

Finally, this project really helped me see the awkwardness that is the tween years in a different light. The same group of kids that really like to watch Phineas and Ferb? Also were telling me all about Vampire Diaries. It really is such a transitional time in a person's life, I now believe that it is even more important to advocate for this group and provide proper materials for them. I'm relieved to have such a big project behind me, but I'm sad at the same time. I may even continue on the blog once in a while, as I'll be reading the material still. However, from this point on, it will probably be a lot less professional, and a lot more Jen-like. Stay tuned. ;)

Katy Perry: "Firework"

Katy Perry: "Firework" (I wanted to end my blog with a bang. What better bang than fireworks shooting from Katy Perry's boobs?)

About: The song is an inspirational song about reaching one's full potential. I like the positive message of the song, and how the lyrics urge you to love yourself and not being afraid to share what is beautiful about you. I really think the uplifting message about there being a spark inside of everyone is something that tweens having a rough time can relate to. The video is interesting, as it shows a larger girl coming to terms with her size and jumping into a pool with her friends, a gay teen kissing another boy at a party, a young boy sticking up for his mom in an abusive relationship, etc. The video may be inappropriate for younger tweens, depending on the parents. There is a scene with some domestic violence (not graphic), the gay kiss, and fireworks shooting out of Katy Perry's bosom. But video aside, I think the song is appropriate for all tweens.

Review: I think the song has a great message for tweens. Tween years are awkward and rough for a lot of tweens. They aren't all the same size, they aren't all maturing at the same rate, some are figuring out their sexuality isn't necessarily mainstream, some are having problems at home and trying to reconcile that with school life, and some are bullied and/or teased, being made to feel less than. The song is positive, and is about loving yourself, and finding what is special about you individually and sharing it with the world. Tweens sometimes need reminded that though they may be too young to be grown-ups, or too old to be kids, they are still special individuals capable of great things.

Ages: 9 and up (song), video at parents discretion, though I would say 12 and up would be fine

Similar Artists: 
Miley Cyrus
Britney Spears
Pink

Taylor Swift: "Back To December"

Taylor Swift: "Back To December"

About: The song is a song of apology and regret. The protagonist is reminiscing about a relationship at its peak, recalling the downfall of the relationship, and expressing regret over everything that went wrong. In the lyrics Taylor apologizes, expresses remorse for the failed relationship, and even hopes that someday the relationship can be rekindled. In the video, Taylor is singing in a room, and a guy is walking away down a wintery road. Each one has some sad facial expressions, and it is kind of a depressing video.

Review: I really had to include the song. Allegedly Taylor Swift wrote the song about her romance with Twilight hunk Taylor Lautner, making the song sort of a big deal among middle school girls. The whole Taylor-Taylor thing was a big deal, and girls love thinking about the whole romance thing while listening to it. I don't know if it makes them feel like maybe they vicariously dated Taylor Lautner or what, but they dig this song. They are a little young to have failed relationships, but they have crushes that didn't work out, and they relate to Taylor's lyrics.

Ages: 11 and up

Similar Artists: 
Miley Cyrus
Carrie Underwood
Miranda Cosgrove 

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Avatar: The Last Airbender

About:
Ang is the last airbender, and also the avatar, meaning he is the only living person that can control all of the elements (earth, air, fire, and water) with the proper training. The fire nation has attacked, and it is up to Ang being properly trained to save the world from the fire nation. He has the help of Kitara and Sokka, both from the water nation. Zuko is after Ang before he can save the world to protect the fire nations. The episodes revolve around Ang's training, him evading Zuko, Zuko's strained relationship with his father (the fire lord), and the future of the world. Can Ang save it?

Review:
I've only watched about 6-7 episodes with my son, but I think the show is great. Aside from the fantastical elements, the show also contains real scenarios that tweens can relate to, such as first crushes, sibling and family issues, friendship, and loss. Add into that the power to bend the elements and you have a pretty cool, addicting show. The show is appropriate for the whole family, and none of the content that I've seen thus far is questionable. There is fighting (and it is based on real martial arts), but nothing gory. If you watch enough episodes, you'll get sucked in and want to watch the entire series beginning to end. Maybe I speak from experience. I also like how Kitara, the female protagonist, is empowered, learning bending from Ang also. The series will appeal to both genders, and tweens younger and older.

Ages: 9 and up

Similar Shows:

Power Rangers: Samurai
The Avengers
Supah Ninjas

Ages:

Similar shows:

 

BONE

Bone: Out from Boneville by Jeff Smith

Citation: Smith, Jeff. Bone Out from Boneville. Scholastic, 2005.

Plot: Fone Bone and his two cousines, Phoney Bone and Smiley Bone, have been run out of Boneville due to Phoney Bone's greedy, money-making schemes. The Bone cousins are trying to make their way back to Boneville when they find a mysterious map in the desert. Soon they are all separated, eventually all making it down into a valley filled with weird creatures individually. Bone eventually meets a human girl named Thorn who plans to help him find his cousins and get back to Boneville. However, mysterious rat creatures are after the Bone cousins, trying to thwart their journey back. And for some strange reason? A Dragon is guarding Fone Bone, showing up at every corner protecting him from the rat creatures. Can the Bone cousins find each other and make it back to Boneville alive?

Review: I have arrived! This is what I pictured in my head when I thought of graphic novel. I found one that is popular and appears to be the right reading level. Thank you 7th grade students! Also, I like that the pages turn the correct way. Manga messes with my brain too much. I tried DragonBallZ and I failed. Anyways, I read Bone and I'm really confused about it. How can my middle school students get it, but I don't? Are these creatures actually bones? Why is there a dragon? What are the rat creatures? I know this is part of a series, so maybe it comes together if you keep reading. I don't really plan on it... but you know. I read this one. And that makes me proud. But the little Bone guy? Has a crush on a human girl. I'm pretty sure that is just wrong. 


Ages: 11 and up


Series: First volume in the Bone series


Similar Titles:


Amulet
Lunch Lady
DragonBallZ

 

Guiness World Records 2011

Guiness World Records 2011

Citation: Guiness World Records 2011. Bantam, 2011.

About: The Guiness World Records book is just that: a book of world records. Inside the pages you'll find amazing, disgusting, interesting, mind-blowing bits of information. Flip through to find out who the most tattooed senior citizen in, who has the longest finger nails in the world, which country has the most land mines, what classical book is banned the most, who the hairiest teenage girl is, who the tallest person, and more! There is seemingly no end to the interesting facts within the pages.

Review: Kids really, really love this book. Especially boys, and especially grades 5-7. A lot of boys prefer non-fiction, and they also prefer being able to flip around and read short blurbs about things as opposed to a long prose piece. Reading is reading, and if having the record book or a Ripley's book around gets boys actually reading, then it is a good thing. I mean, sure they mostly flip through trying to find the most disgusting things possible, but they are reading. My six year old son came home begging me to actually buy this book, so the appeal is really for all ages. I think it is a great resource for reluctant readers, and really any reader.


Ages: 7 and up

Similar Titles:
Ripley's Believe it or Not
The Big book of Why
Weird but True

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney

Citation: Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid Dog Days. Amulet Books, 2009.

Plot: Greg Heffley is back at it in the 4th installment of the Diary series. In this book, Greg is on summer vacation. He's bored and his family can't take their usual vacation. On top of that, Greg owes Rowley's dad over $80 because he ordered so many fruit smoothies while at the country club pool with Rowley. Greg attempt starting a lawn service business, but that doesn't pan out quite as expected. This book is as hilarious as the others, with Greg being traumatized at the town pool, falling for a lifeguard, dealing with his brother Rodrick, watching scary movies and being scarred for life, and eventually even looking forward to school starting again.

Review: I think this series is hilarious, and it is no mystery to me why it is appealing to tweens of all age and they are even making movies based on the series. The book is spot on, really capturing those awkward middle school years in the voice of young Greg Heffley. His friendships, school experience, and family relationships are things middle schoolers can relate to. Add to the mix that the books are hilarious with cartoons drawn in, and you have a hit. I see kids as youn as 3rd and 4th grade all the way up to 9th graders carrying these books around. I'll readily admit that I'm reading the entire series for pleasure, and my husband lies next to me cracking up, remembering what middle school was like.

Age: 9 and up

Series: Diary of a Wimpy Kid series

Similar Titles:
The Dork Diaries
Captain Underpants